feeling overlooked doesn’t mean you’re undervalued.
Being passed over at work can sting, especially when you’re putting in the effort and hoping to get noticed. It’s easy to think that hard work alone will speak for itself, but how you present yourself can play a huge role in how seriously others take you. Sometimes it’s the little things—body language, communication style, or even how you handle feedback—that signal to others whether you’re ready for the next step.
Perceptions can be powerful, but they’re not set in stone. Making a few mindful adjustments can shift how your coworkers and managers see you. If you’ve ever felt like you’re being underestimated because you seem too young or inexperienced, understanding what signals you might be sending can help you turn things around.
1. Dressing too casually sends the wrong message.
What you wear at work says a lot about how you see yourself and the role you want, according to Diana Diamond at Palo Alto. While office culture might be relaxed, leaning too far into casual clothing can make you seem less professional. When you dress like you take your work seriously, others are more likely to follow suit.
This doesn’t mean you need a full suit every day, but aiming for polished and put-together can help. Well-fitting clothes, clean shoes, and a little attention to detail show that you care about how you come across. When you look the part, people tend to treat you like you belong.
2. Using filler words makes you sound unsure.
Words like “um,” “like,” or “you know” might sneak into your speech without you realizing it, but they can make you sound less confident. When you overuse filler words, it gives the impression that you’re uncertain or not fully prepared.
Slowing down and taking a moment to gather your thoughts before speaking can make a difference. Speaking clearly and deliberately shows that you know what you’re talking about, as stated by May Suemo at Workee. Confident communication helps others see you as capable and professional.
3. Avoiding eye contact can signal insecurity.
Eye contact is a simple but powerful way to build connection and convey confidence, as reported by the writers at Teleprompter. If you’re constantly looking away or down, it can give the impression that you’re unsure of yourself or not fully engaged.
Making an effort to maintain eye contact during conversations shows that you’re present and paying attention. It also signals confidence, which makes others more likely to take you seriously.
4. Over-apologizing diminishes your authority.
Saying sorry has its place, but over-apologizing for small things can make you seem unsure or overly self-critical. If you apologize for things that don’t warrant it, people might see you as lacking confidence.
Instead of defaulting to an apology, try reframing your response. For example, replace “Sorry for the delay” with “Thanks for your patience.” Small changes like this can shift how others perceive you, making you seem more assured and capable.
5. Speaking too softly makes it hard to be heard.
If people are constantly asking you to repeat yourself, it might not be about the content of what you’re saying but how you’re saying it. Speaking too softly or trailing off at the end of sentences can make it seem like you lack confidence.
Projecting your voice and speaking with intention helps others hear and take in what you’re saying. When you speak as though your thoughts matter, people are more likely to listen.
6. Being too eager to please can backfire.
Wanting to be helpful is great, but if you’re always saying yes to every request, it can make you seem inexperienced or easy to take advantage of. People might assume you don’t know how to set boundaries or prioritize.
Learning to say no respectfully or setting clear limits shows that you value your time and know how to manage your workload. It also signals that you understand your role and responsibilities, which helps others see you as a professional.
7. Not speaking up in meetings can hurt your credibility.
Staying silent during meetings might feel safe, but it can also make it seem like you have nothing to contribute. If others never hear your ideas, they might overlook your potential.
Sharing your thoughts, even if it’s just asking a question or adding a perspective, shows that you’re engaged. When people hear you participating, they start to see you as someone who has valuable insights.
8. Focusing only on hard work ignores the power of visibility.
Working hard is essential, but if no one knows what you’re doing, it might not translate to recognition. Sometimes it’s not about bragging but making sure your efforts are seen.
Finding ways to highlight your work, like sharing updates or taking on visible projects, helps others notice your contributions. Visibility can turn hard work into opportunities.
9. Being overly informal can blur professional lines.
Building relationships with coworkers is important, but being too casual too soon can make it harder for others to see you in a professional light. Overly personal conversations or joking too much can distract from your competence.
Maintaining a friendly but professional tone shows that you respect workplace boundaries. When you strike the right balance, it becomes easier for others to take you seriously.
10. Not asking questions can be mistaken for disinterest.
Asking thoughtful questions shows that you’re engaged and interested in learning. If you never ask questions, others might assume you’re not invested or curious.
Being curious signals that you care about improving and understanding the work. When you show that you’re eager to learn, people are more likely to see you as serious about your growth.
11. Relying on others for direction undermines your initiative.
Waiting for someone to tell you what to do can make it seem like you lack initiative. If you’re always asking for instructions instead of taking the lead, people might overlook you for bigger opportunities.
Taking the initiative to solve problems or propose ideas shows that you’re proactive. When you demonstrate that you can handle things on your own, others start to see you as capable of more responsibility.